Articles

Madeira’s Entrepreneurship and the Shift in Incentive Strategies

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This study aims to evaluate the evolution of the incentive strategies of the Instituto de Emprego da Madeira, IP-RAM (IEM), which translated means Madeira Employment Institute, and their impact on the number of approved projects, jobs created and promoters/entrepreneurs that emerged. It also aims to evaluate the characteristics of the jobs created, promoters or non-promoters, their evolution, and interconnection with the literature review. In order to analyze the evolution of the entrepreneurship programs of the Madeira Employment Institute, and the characteristics of the jobs and promoters (unemployed entrepreneurs who apply for an entrepreneurship program), secondary data obtained from its annual balance reports (Emprego e Coesão Social – Breve Balanço reports), from 2011 to 2022, available on the institution’s website, at https://www.iem.madeira.gov.pt/estatisticas-anuais/, where data were obtained for the period between 2009 and 2022, using a quantitative methodology and where they demonstrate the different types of programs that the Madeira Employment Institute had or has throughout the period under analysis. Global analysis of entrepreneurship programs for the unemployed in recent years, their evolution over time, and the perception of whether the objectives of government institutions are being met, as well as the analysis of the jobs created, entrepreneurs or non-entrepreneurs, depending on their characteristics. One of the main objectives of the Madeira Employment Institute is being fulfilled, which is to rationalize resources in a better way, giving greater focus to the creation of jobs globally, as well as confirming some propositions of the revision of literature, among the articles analyzed, namely in terms of the characteristics of the jobs created, promoters or non-promoters, verifying a greater propensity for entrepreneurship among male individuals who were young adults, as well as the evolution of the jobs created in terms of level of education, which has been increasingly high. This study contributes to a possible basis for a comparative analysis between regions and institutions that work to encourage entrepreneurship, as well as to understand which aspects government entities should still work on, in order to improve their results.

The Integration of Listening Skills into Curriculum

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This study explores the incorporation of listening skills into language courses, reflecting the increasing demand for effective listening approaches that aid in language understanding in real-world situations. The study questions primarily focus on evolution, effective integration methods, assessment approaches, and the role of technology in incorporating listening into curriculum across varied educational contexts. This current study conducted a rigorous literature analysis and aggregated data from 100 empirical research on L2 listening, using stringent standards to identify recent achievements and gaps in the field. Data analysis used deductive text analysis to categorize methods based on efficacy, technology integration, and active learning. Key studies show that task-based learning and the incorporation of multimodal technology, such as podcasts and mobile apps, substantially enhance listening comprehension by providing immersive and interactive learning environments. These methods directly address the research questions, demonstrating that active, contextual listening activities promote profound engagement and retention. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the significance of multimedia and task-based methods, with implications for more inclusive, accessible curriculum design. Future research should focus on low-tech strategies to provide fair access to listening resources worldwide.

Propaganda – Term`s Conceptual Delimitations and Evolution

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The use of propaganda to achieve political, military, economic or social objectives is a well-known fact. This practice being encountered since the 17th century among actors on the international scene. For the present article, we propose to analyze the conceptual framework of the notion of propaganda. The conceptual delineation of this element is important to ensure that we use the terms clearly and precisely, avoid confusion and misunderstandings and, at the same time, establish the meaning we assign to them.